New Orleans ? Thousands gathered under blue skies Saturday to hear the music of neo-soul artist Erykah Badu, who took the stage at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival burning a stick of incense and wearing a lavender kimono.

“My eyes are green,” she cooed to the crowd, which responded with claps and cheers.

“She’s so emotional,” said Stacey Cunningham of New Orleans, who had a spot on a blanket near the front of the stage. “I love that about her.”

At least one famous face was in the crowd of thousands to hear Badu — New Orleans Hornets center Tyson Chandler, who headed to the festival grounds just hours after the team’s NBA playoff win against the Denver Nuggets.

“Erykah’s lyrics are really moving,” said Donna Gilbert, a regular festgoer from New Orleans. “I find she touches and reaches people no matter what the age. She’s really inspirational.”

In all, Jazz Fest features hundreds of acts on 12 stages this weekend and next. Jazz Fest will continue today and pick up again on Thursday. Among this year’s headline acts are Bon Jovi, Neil Young, Kings of Leon and Sugarland.